They, along with other pretty things, were taken from the tree and
presented last of all, and the delight manifested by the recipients more
than made amends to Gracie for her self-denial.

From the Woodburn school-house our friends all repaired to the one at
Ion, and a similar scene was enacted there. The exercises and the gifts
to the children were very nearly the same, but there were older
people--house servants and laborers on the estates--to whom were given
more substantial gifts in money and provisions for the support of their
families.

The afternoon was waning when the Raymonds again entered their family
carriage and the captain gave the order, "Home to Woodburn."

And now the children began to think of the home celebration of Christmas
eve, and to renew their wonderings as to what arrangements might have
been made for their own enjoyment of its return. Still they asked no
question on the subject, but they sobered down and were very quiet
during the short drive.

"Tired, children?" queried their father, putting an arm round Grace as
she leaned confidingly up against him, and smiling affectionately upon
them all.

"Oh, no, sir, not at all!" replied Max, quickly, straightening himself
with the air of one who had no thought of fatigue.

"Not at all, papa," echoed Lulu.

"Only just a little bit, papa," Grace said with cheerful look and tone.